The Viking Age
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Four Minnesota Vikings players selected to 2017 NFL Pro Bowl

By Kyle J. West

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates after a sack in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates after a sack in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings have 4 of their players selected to 2017 NFL Pro Bowl: Harrison Smith, Everson Griffen, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Xavier Rhodes.

Today, the NFL announced the players who will be participating in the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl as voted on by players, coaches, and fans. Four members of the Minnesota Vikings have been selected to the game.

Safety Harrison Smith, defensive end Everson Griffen, wide receiver/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes were the individual players who were chosen to participate in the NFL’s version of the All-Star game.

Of the four players, this will be Rhodes first trip to the Pro Bowl. Smith, Griffen, and Patterson will all be making their second appearance.

"“It’s special to be picked to my first Pro Bowl in my home state. Growing up I always thought if you made the Pro Bowl you were viewed as the best at your position in the eyes of the other players and fans so it’s definitely an honor. I’ve worked hard and put in work all year to be the best corner I can for this team.”  Said Xavier Rhodes in a statement released to the media."

Xavier is currently tied for 3rd place with four interceptions in the NFC, including his amazing pick-six 100-yard interception against the Arizona Cardinals. Earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl is another big accomplishment for Rhodes that will no doubt help him earn a big contract extension this offseason for the Minnesota Vikings.

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Cordarrelle Patterson currently leads the league with 757 kickoff return yards while Everson Griffen is tied for 15th place with 8.0 sacks on the season and Harrison Smith is tied in 7th place among all defensive backs with 84 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 20 assists on the season. Smith continues to be arguably the best player currently on this team.

The 2017 NFL Pro Bowl will feature a few changes this season. The teams are back to being AFC vs. NFC conference based, after the previous three years had a bizarre draft based format that did little to excite fans. The game has also been moved from Hawaii to Orlando, Florida in the Citrus Bowl, and will take place on Sunday January 29th on ESPN.

Perhaps the best part of this year’s Pro Bowl is the return of the skills competition prior to the game itself.  Lead by “Pro Bowl Legend Captains” Team AFC (Jerome Bettis and Ray Lewis) will take on Team NFC (Charles Woodson and Tony Gonzalez)  in a skills showdown featuring a mixture of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs.

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Team NFC will take on Team AFC in a series of events including; Dodgeball, Power Relay Challenge, Precision Passing, and Best Hands. Fans should be seriously looking forward to seeing Everson Griffen nail some special teams player as hard as he can with a dodgeball. The skills portion will air Thursday, January 26th on ESPN.

Congratulations to all four Minnesota Vikings players for receiving Pro Bowl nominations.

*Updated 12/21/16 for incorrect Pro Bowl date

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